Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing: Frequently Asked Questions
Programs and Volunteering:
Kids Programs:
The Whistler Jack Rabbits is a cross country ski program for young skiers aged 4 to 16. Pre-registration is required. For more information please visit: http://www.whistlernordics.com/.
Whistler Nordics:
Whistler Nordics is a community-based group of cross-country skiers of all ages and skills. They help to develop and promote the sport of cross-country skiing through a variety of methods including racing programs, clinics, social events and hosting of the annual Whistler Loppet race. Visit their website at www.whistlernordics.com.
Cross Country and Snowshoe Trail Volunteers:
- Flexibility of shifts
- Great social events
- Opportunity to give selflessly, help others and inspire people
- Cross Country Season's Pass (must commit 2-4 hours per week)
The municipality is excited to invite energetic and enthusiastic individuals to join the Cross Country and Snowshoe Trail volunteer team. You will act as an ambassador of the municipality and the Lost Lake Trail System. Responsibilities include providing first aid, trail maintenance, safety checks, validating passes and providing assistance and information to guests.
If you have the ability to cross country ski and/or snowshoe, would like to improve your fitness, are familiar with the cross country ski trails and thrive on providing great service to guests, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your application addressed to:
By mail:
Volunteer Cross Country Patrol
Resort Municipality of Whistler
4325 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
By fax: (604) 935-8174
By email: hr@whistler.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find updates on the daily trail conditions?
The Lost Lake cross-country staff do their utmost to keep our guests informed of trail conditions, weather and special events. Call 604-935-PLAY and press 2 to hear an updated daily message. Conditions are updated by 8:00 a.m. every day. If you need to speak to someone in person, please call Cross Country Connection at (604) 905-0071 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Where can I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are available at Meadow Park Sports Center, Passivhaus tickets/rentals and Mons ticket booth.
Is the warming hut open?
The warming hut up at Lost Lake is accessible only by skis and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No food services are provided so pack in and out what you need.
What time is night skiing?
All trails close at dusk with the exception of the Lost Lake Loop, which is lit for night skiing until 8 p.m. every night. Night skiing tickets are valid from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Passivhaus ticket sales and rentals close at 8 p.m.
Are there rentals nearby? Where can I sign up for lessons?
Depending on where you are staying, there are several cross country ski and snowshoe rental businesses in the area. The Cross-Country Connection is a rental shop/lesson facility, located in the Lost Lake PassiveHaus. Rental packages start at approximately $24 for an adult; snowshoe rental is available for about $18. Many other local businesses offer lessons and rental packages.
Where can I park?
The most used access to the entrance of the Lost Lake ski trails is by Day Skier Lot 5. If you are driving, turn off HWY 99 at Lorimer Road: left if you are coming from Pemberton, right if you are coming from Vancouver. Drive through the next set of stoplights and take your first right at the sign that reads 'Cross-Country Parking' with an arrow. Once you turn off Lorimer Road, you will see a large sign on your left with a cross- country skier symbol. Turn in and drive to the front of the lot where you will find a groomed track. Park, walk, or strap your skis on and follow the trail to the main ticket booth. Walking is permitted on this part of the trail.
From the Meadow Park Sports Center: Park at the sports center and purchase your ticket there. You will need to cross HWY 99 and enter the valley trail on the north side (this section is used for horse sleigh rides and is groomed for the horses). Proceed through Dream River Park on the multi-use trail towards the float plane dock. At the Nicklaus North Clubhouse (which is another starting point if you are driving) you will see signs at the far end of the parking lot directing you onto the trail system.
If you are starting from the Nicklaus North Clubhouse, there is ample parking and you will need to purchase a ticket at the Nicklaus North ticket booth, located at the foot of Old Mill Road.
NOTE: There is no drive or walk-in access up to Lost Lake or the warming hut in the winter. The shuttle bus that runs up to Lost Lake is summer only and the parking lot up at the warming hut is closed for the winter.
Can I snowshoe on the cross-country trails? Where else can I snow shoe?
Snowshoeing in not permitted on the cross-country trail system. There are a total of 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails, which cross over the ski trails in a few areas. Snowshoers must stay on the designated route. For safety reasons, the deep snowshoe imprints and the ruined track set, we ask snowshoers to abide by this trail use condition.
There are a number of local businesses that offer guided snowshoe tours in the valley and on Whistler Mountain. Please inquire with the Whistler Activity Centre or the check out the Yellow Pages in the Whistler telephone book.
It is not advisable to head out on your own without a properly marked route, guide or extensive knowledge of the area.
Can I snowshoe along the trails?
Designated snowshoe trails start at the Lost Lake ticket booth and wind through Lost Lake Park, (there is no night snowshoeing). Please do not snowshoe on cross-country trails. Snowshoe rentals and lesson packages are available at numerous locations throughout Whistler Village. Baby gliders are not permitted on the snowshoe trails.
Can I walk along the trails?
The Lost Lake trails are not open to pedestrians and dogs during the winter and dog owners are reminded that they are responsible for knowing and abiding by the municipality's dog regulations.
Where can I ski with my dog?
The Meadow Park to Rainbow Park Valley Trail is groomed and trackset as time permits. Dogs and owners are welcome to ski, snowshoe or walk the trail. There is no trail fee. The daily grooming report is available by calling the information line, 935-PLAY.
NOTE: Dogs are not permitted on the Lost Lake trail system or snowshoe routes.
What special events are happening this year?
The winter months are filled with cross country happenings that change every year. For events information, call the Cross Country Connection at (604) 905-0071 or after business hours at 604-935-PLAY and press 2.
What's involved in being a cross country volunteer? How do I apply?
Lost Lake cross-country volunteers are a very dedicated group of people who ensure our guests enjoy all that our trail system has to offer. All you need to apply is a current first aid certificate, knowledge of the trails, commitment and a great attitude.
Applications are available at municipal hall and can be submitted by fax (604) 935-8179, by email to hr@whistler.ca or by mail to: 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4.
